Prealbumin · high result
What does a high Prealbumin mean?
Short answer
High prealbumin is uncommon and usually benign: corticosteroid or anabolic steroid use, kidney disease (reduced clearance), Hodgkin lymphoma and, occasionally, heavy alcohol use raise it. It is not a marker of over-nutrition and rarely needs follow-up on its own.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
What is the normal range for Prealbumin?
- age 18+: 18.0 – 40.0 mg/dL
Full reference table, citations and testing options: Prealbumin biomarker page.
What are the common causes of high Prealbumin?
- Corticosteroids, anabolic steroids, oral contraceptives
- Chronic kidney disease
- Hodgkin lymphoma (rare)
- Alcohol use
What symptoms go with high Prealbumin?
- None
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Kidney function; medication review
- No action if isolated and mild
How do you recheck Prealbumin?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prealbumin | Test | $29.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
Common questions
Does high prealbumin mean I eat too much protein?
No. It reflects clearance and hormones more than intake. A mildly high value with normal kidney function needs nothing.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.